at longer intervals. The smaller the baby, the smaller the
quantity to begin with. Some babies weigh from five to seven pounds at
birth, while others weigh from nine to twelve pounds. It would be
unreasonable to expect a very small baby to be able to hold and digest
as much as a very large baby. Considerable common sense and the exercise
of some judgment is therefore necessary on the part of the uninstructed
mother, as to just the right quantity to give. Fortunately, a little
experience will enable the observant mother quickly to solve this
important problem. Nature promptly furnishes the symptoms which will
correctly guide her. Before considering the significance of these
symptoms let us appreciate certain facts common to all babies, and we
will more easily interpret the meaning of the special symptoms the baby
will furnish.

First of all the baby never vomits. The ejection of food, therefore, is
dependent upon a condition, not a disease. If milk runs out of its mouth
immediately, or within a few moments, after a feeding, the explanation
is that it was fed too much; it does not vomit, the stomach simply
overflows. It is exactly like trying to put more milk into a cup after
it is full,--it will not hold more, it overflows.

The significance of this symptom, therefore, is that the quantity of the
feeding is wrong (it is not the baby's stomach that is at fault,--it is
the mother's judgment). Reduce the quantity of each feeding and you will
quickly cure it. If the milk does not overflow soon after a feeding, the
baby will appear satisfied and will go to sleep, and will sleep until it
is time for the next feeding. It may not do this, however. In half an
hour, or a little longer, after the feeding, it wakes, it begins to fret
and cry, and very soon it suddenly belches gas and ejects a mouthful of
milk, after which it will rest quietly for a few moments, when it will
begin fretting all over again. It may keep up this performance for an
hour, or until the next feeding, and if so it is exhausted and unfit to
carry on the digestive process. It is in these cases where most mothers
make serious mistakes. This is the beginning of real trouble, and the
family physician is the only one qualified to give advice under such
circumstances. Remember the warning given regarding heeding the advice
of every busybody just at this time. Your baby's health is at stake;
maybe its life depends upon what you choose to do.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICAN